With two rounds to go at the World Youth Championship, many US players
are racking up points at the most crucial time. Steven Zierk won against
another IM, Anwesh Upadhyaya of India. Zierk now has a performance rating of
2673 FIDE! His main rival only drew, so Steven is now tied for first in the
section (though 2nd in tiebreak.)

In round nine at the Boys Under 10, Jeffrey Xiong played the
hero by defeating tournament leader Jason Cao (Canada). Xiong now stands in 1st-3rd
with 7.5. Just a half a point behind are Cameron Wheeler and Tommy He who are
tied for 4th-7th in the same section.

In the Boys Under 12, Kayden Troff unfortunately suffered
his first loss of the event to Yi Wei of China. The good news is he is still
tied for first (and #1 on tiebreak.)